Prokaryotes and Evolution

The purpose of this book is to show the essential and indispensable role of prokaryotes in the evolution of aliving world. The evolutionary success of prokaryotes is explained together with their role in the evolution of the geosphere, the biosphere and its functioning, as well as their ability to colonize all biotopes, including the most extreme ones. We consider that all past and present living beings emerged from prokaryotes and have interacted with them. Forces and mechanisms presented in the various theories of evolution apply to prokaryotes. The major stages of their evolution and biodiversity are also described. Finally, it is emphasized that prokaryotes are living organisms that provide indisputable evidence of evolutionary processes. Many examples of ongoing evolution in prokaryotes, observable at the human scale, are provided. 

1. Prokaryotes /Eukaryotes dichotomy and Bacteria/Archaea/Eukarya domains: two inseparable concepts.- 2. Phylogeny and Biodiversity of Prokaryotes.- 3. Importance of Prokaryotes in the Functioning and Evolution of the Present and Past Geosphere and Biosphere.- 4.  Evolutionary Success of Prokaryotes.- 5. The Evolution of Living Beings Started with Prokaryotes, and In Interaction with Prokaryotes.- 6. Evolution Underway in Prokaryotes.

Jean-Claude Bertrand, Institut Méditerranéen d'Océanologie, University of Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France

Philippe Normand, Laboratoire d’Ecologie Microbienne, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeubanne, France

Télesphore Sime-Ngando, Laboratory Microorganisms: Genome & Enviroment, CNRS and University Clermont Auvergne, Aubière, France